argentum
|ar-gen-tum|
🇺🇸
/ɑrˈdʒɛntəm/
🇬🇧
/ɑːˈdʒɛntəm/
silver (shining white metal)
Etymology
'argentum' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'argentum', ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root '*h₂erǵ-' meaning 'white, shining'.
'argentum' passed into Old French as 'argent' and entered Middle English as 'argent' meaning 'silver' or 'money'; the classical Latin form 'argentum' remains the technical and historical (and scientific Latin) form used in taxonomy and antiquarian contexts.
Initially it meant 'shiny, white (metal)' or simply the metal silver; over time it also came to denote 'money' or 'silver coin' in vernacular usage, while the Latin form 'argentum' has been retained mainly in scholarly, scientific, or historical contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the Latin name for the chemical element silver (Ag); used in scientific, historical, or alchemical contexts.
The alchemist's notes described a method to purify argentum to a mirror-like sheen.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/12 03:58